Ragsblock traffic barrier

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a traffic barrier with a conduit provided throughout its length. The conduit may be configured to house wiring, plumbing, irrigation, etc. The traffic barrier may also be provided with a keyway and one or more drainways to allow the flow of rain runoff to move through the barrier. Anchoring devices will attach to the roadbed and fit within the barrier drainways to better secure the position of the traffic barrier. The barrier is provided with accessory sleeves to retains posts or poles for signs or fences. The accessory sleeves may be in communication with the conduit. One end of the traffic barrier may be enlarged to accommodate a cavity to house a battery and sleeve for a solar panel. Multiple barriers may be joined in series to create a connected conduit RAGSBLOCK system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of traffic barricades,specifically, traffic barricades which can accept accessories and wiringto power electronic accessories.

2. Description of Related Art

Traffic barricades have been present on roads and highways for manyyears. They are strategically placed to restrict automobiles fromdriving into dangerous situations. Traffic barricades may be placed tokeep cars from entering construction zones, straying into oncomingtraffic, and meandering into biker lanes. Barricades may also be presentto protect pedestrians, bikers, and buildings. There is generaldissatisfaction (and resultant deaths) among bicyclists of dangerousincursions of motor vehicles into the bicycle marked lanes in urbanareas. In less congested areas the vehicle speeds increase and thedanger grows.

Traffic barricades appear in various shapes, sizes, and materials.Small, portable traffic barricades may be placed on the road to warndrivers of upcoming obstacles or construction zones. Large, concretebarriers may be placed in between opposing lanes of traffic to preventcars from colliding into oncoming traffic, wherein the large barriersare able to stop the movement of a vehicle that may be out of control orerratically driven.

Currently, reflective coatings or tape may be applied to the barricadesto make them more visible to drivers. To further increase visibility,lights may be mounted to the barricades, but the lights are powered by abattery which limits the intensity of the light and type of light thatmay be used. If lights of greater intensity are to be used, they wouldrequire electricity supplied from an external power source. Connectinglights from to an external power source might increase the time requiredto install the barriers. Furthermore, they would not provide a permanentlighting solution to provide pedestrians and bicyclists with bettervisibility at night or in dark situations. Bicycle commuting to work isnot discretionary and may require riding in the dark.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a barricadesystem with an embedded conduit, and what may be further desired is abarricade adapted to easily accept electrical accessories to beconnected to a power source via internal wiring in a provided conduit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention of a traffic barrier with embedded conduitcomprises of an elongated body having a length and a side wall shape ofa known traffic barrier, designed to minimize vehicle damage. A conduitis provided throughout the length of a barrier. The conduit may beadapted to receive an irrigation system or wiring system. In anembodiment, the conduit is provided with a sleeve or insert which may beplastic, metal, or another material deemed suitable.

In the preferred embodiment, the traffic barrier is further providedwith a keyway, located at the bottom of the barrier. The traffic barriermay be further provided with one or more drainways running perpendicularto the length of the barrier. The keyways and drainways allow forflowing water or rain runoff to pass through the barriers. One or moreanchoring devices may nest within the keyways and drainways of thebarrier. The anchoring devices are provided with a plurality of holes tofasten to the roadbed and barrier.

In an embodiment, the traffic barrier is further provided with one ormore accessory sleeves. The accessory sleeves are holes with aperturesprovided on the top surface of the barrier. The accessory sleeves may beprovided to hold poles or posts to provide fencing or signage. Theaccessory sleeves may be adapted to be in communication with the conduitprovided through the length of the barrier to allow for interconnectedwiring.

In an embodiment, one end of the traffic barrier is provided to belarger, having a generally square cross section. The larger end may befurther provided with a cavity to house a battery. In the embodiment,the barrier may further be comprised of a solar sleeve. The solar sleevewill allow for a solar panel to be placed in communication with thebattery. In an embodiment, the traffic barrier having a larger end is tobe provided as an end segment in a series of barriers.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, willbe apparent from the following, more particular description of thepreferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, andthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objectsand advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuingdescriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings brieflydescribed as follows.

FIG. 1 is a left side elevational view of the traffic barrier withembedded conduit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the traffic barrier with embedded conduit,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front side elevational view of the traffic barrier withembedded conduit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the traffic barrier withembedded conduit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the traffic barrier with embedded conduit,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front side elevational view of the traffic barrier withembedded conduit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front side elevational view of the nesting anchor of thetraffic barrier with embedded conduit, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a front side elevational view of the nesting anchor of thetraffic barrier with embedded conduit, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 9 is a front side elevational view of the nesting anchor of thetraffic barrier with embedded conduit, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages maybe understood by referring to FIGS. 1-9, wherein like reference numeralsrefer to like elements.

In reference to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of the RAGBLOCKS trafficbarrier is shown to be used as an end segment in a series of trafficbarriers. In the embodiment, the end segment is shown to have a largerend to provide weight to maintain the in-line integrity for a series ofbarriers in the event of a collision. The larger end also provides spacefor a battery cavity 1. Wherein a battery may be provided in the cavity1 to provide an electric power source. The battery cavity 1 is providedwith an access door on one side of the traffic barrier, such that thebattery may be removed or replaced. In an embodiment, the battery accessdoor will be lockable to prevent theft of the battery.

In a preferred embodiment, a solar sleeve 2 will be provided with anopening on the top of the barrier. The solar sleeve 2 is adapted toaccept a pole in electric communication with a solar panel (not shown).The solar sleeve 2 will be configured in communication with the batterycavity 1, such that wiring and electrical connections may be provided soan attached solar panel may provide charge to a battery kept within thecavity 1.

In a preferred embodiment, the battery cavity 1 is provided with abattery to be in electric communication with a conduit 3 providedthrough the center of the barrier. The conduit 3 may be a simplethrough-hole throughout the length of the body of the traffic barrier.In another embodiment, the conduit 3 will be provided as a pipe orinsert. In an embodiment, the conduit piping will be comprised ofpolyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), metal,or another material deemed suitable. The conduit 3 is further providedto be in communication with a plurality of accessory sleeves 4. Theaccessory sleeves 4 are configured to accept a variety of accessories,which may or may not, be electrically active. Accessories to be providedwithin the sleeves may include lights, advertisements, pedestriancrossing lights, traffic signs, fencing, rails, or other accessoriesdeemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. In an embodiment, wiringmay be provided through the conduit 3 to provide an electricalconnection between the accessory sleeves 4, conduit 3, and batterycavity 1.

In an embodiment, the end barrier of the Traffic barrier with embeddedconduit may be further provided with one or more horizontal sleeves 5.The horizontal sleeves 5 may be used for placement and transportation ofthe traffic barrier. In another embodiment, the horizontal sleeves 5 maybe used to accommodate irrigation piping. In an embodiment, thehorizontal sleeves 5 are in communication with the conduit 3 and mayprovided to accept both electrically active and passive accessories suchas lights, advertisements, pedestrian crossing lights, traffic signs,fencing, rails, or other accessories deemed appropriate by one skilledin the art. In an embodiment with electrically active accessories,wiring may be provided to create an electrical connection between thehorizontal sleeves 5, conduit 3, and battery cavity 1.

In a preferred embodiment, the traffic barrier is provided with on moredrainways 6 to allow water to pass through during rain or storms. Thedrainways 6 also provide an aperture for a forklift to engage with whilethe traffic barrier is being moved or placed into position. In thepreferred embodiment, the traffic barrier is further provided with akeyway 7. The keyway 7 may be provided for additional drainage. In anembodiment, a nesting anchor (not shown) may be provided within thekeyway 7 to provide additional support for the barrier.

In reference to FIG. 4-6, an embodiment of the RAGSBLOCK traffic barrieris shown to be used as a middle segment in a series of barriers. In theembodiment, a conduit 13 is provided and may be in communication withother barriers in a series via a coupling component (not shown). Theconduit 13 is further provided to be in communication with a pluralityof accessory sleeves 14. In an embodiment, wiring may be provided tocreate an electrical connection between the conduit 13 and accessorysleeves 14. The accessory sleeves 14 are configured to accept a varietyof accessories, which may or may not, be electrically active.Accessories to be provided within the sleeves may include lights,advertisements, pedestrian crossing lights, traffic signs, fencing,rails, or other accessories deemed appropriate by one skilled in theart.

In an embodiment, the middle barrier of the RAGSBLOCK traffic barriermay be further provided with one or more horizontal sleeves 15. Thehorizontal sleeves 15 may be used for placement and transportation ofthe traffic barrier. In another embodiment, the horizontal sleeves 15may be used to accommodate irrigation piping. In an embodiment, thehorizontal sleeves 15 may be provided with wiring to be in electriccommunication with wiring provided in the conduit 13. In the embodiment,the horizontal sleeves 15 may be provided to accept both electricallyactive and passive accessories such as lights, advertisements,pedestrian crossing lights, traffic signs, fencing, rails, or otheraccessories deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, the traffic barrier is provided with on moredrainways 16 to allow water to pass through during rain or storms. Thedrainways 16 also provide an aperture for a forklift to engage withwhile the traffic barrier is being moved or placed into position. In thepreferred embodiment, the traffic barrier is further provided with akeyway 17. The keyway 17 may be provided for additional drainage. In anembodiment, a nesting anchor (not shown) may be provided within thekeyway 17 to provide additional support for the barrier.

In a preferred embodiment, the RAGSBLOCK traffic barrier is comprisedmostly of concrete, specifically with a mix number of 6. The concretemay be casted over folded wire and reinforced with rebar, as is known inthe art. In another embodiment, the traffic barriers may be metal,plastic, composite, or another material deemed suitable by one skilledin the art. The barriers may be casted off site and transported to thelocation they are to be installed, providing for quick installation withminimal traffic closures. In a preferred embodiment, the RAGSBLOCKtraffic barrier is shaped like what is known as a Jersey barrier, havingan angled base which tapers to approximately half the height of thebarrier. This angle is provided to deflect the tires of a vehicle toprevent damage to the body of the vehicle, and is known in the art.

In the preferred embodiment, the middle and end segments are provided inseries to form an elongated traffic barrier which also functions as anencased group of conduits to be referred to as a RAGSBLOCK system. In anembodiment in which one or more end segment barriers are provided with abattery, the entire RAGSBLOCK system may be electrically active. In theembodiment, the conduit of each barrier may be coupled with an extensionpiping to link the conduits of the individual barriers. In anotherembodiment, in which conduits provided irrigation piping, a couplingelement may be provided to create a continuous flow between each of theindividual barriers throughout the RAGSBLOCK system.

In an embodiment, in reference to FIG. 7, a nesting anchor 20 is shownhaving a top anchor side 21 fitted to engage with the keyway of aRAGSBLOCK traffic barrier. The nesting anchor 20 is further providedwith a bottom anchor side 22 to be attached to the ground on which thebarriers are to be placed on. In an embodiment, the bottom anchor side22 is anchored into the ground via studs or screws placed throughprovided anchor holes 23 and secured into the ground or roadbed. In apreferred embodiment, the nesting anchor 20 is metal and is weldedtogether, but may be comprised of another material. The securement ofthe nesting anchor to the ground provides for further support when forthe barrier when the nesting anchor is placed within the keyway. In anembodiment, a recess is provided in on the bottom of the traffic barrierto better fit the nesting anchor within the keyway. Furthermore, thenesting anchor may be secured to the barrier via screws, bolts, studs,or another means of fastening through provided barrier securement holes24. In a preferred embodiment, the provided anchor holes 23 andsecurement holes 24 are ⅝″ through-holes, but may be any diameter deemedappropriate by one skilled in the art.

In an embodiment, in reference to FIG. 8, a nesting anchor 25 is shownhaving a top anchor side 26 fitted to engage with the keyway of aTraffic barrier with embedded conduit. The nesting anchor 25 is furtherprovided with a bottom anchor side 27 to be attached to the ground onwhich the barriers are to be placed on. In an embodiment, the bottomanchor side 27 is anchored into the ground via studs or screws placedthrough provided anchor holes 28 and secured into the ground or roadbed. In a preferred embodiment, the nesting anchor 25 is metal and iswelded together, but may be comprised of another material. Thesecurement of the nesting anchor to the ground provides for furthersupport when for the barrier when the nesting anchor is placed withinthe keyway. In an embodiment, a recess is provided in on the bottom ofthe traffic barrier to better fit the nesting anchor within the keyway.Furthermore, the nesting anchor may be secured to the barrier viascrews, bolts, studs, or another means of fastening placed throughprovided securement holes 29. In a preferred embodiment, the providedanchor holes 28 and securement holes 29 are ⅝″ through-holes, but may beany diameter deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art.

In an embodiment, in reference to FIG. 9, another anchoring device isshown in the form of a C-shaped cleat to be placed within the keyway ofthe traffic barrier. In an embodiment, the cleat is further providedwith one or more anchor holes 31 provided to allow fasteners to engagewith the street surface or roadbed. The cleat may be further providedwith one or securement holes 32 to allow fasteners to engage with thebarrier. This arrangement allows for better securement of the trafficbarrier in its desired position. In a preferred embodiment, the providedanchor holes 31 and securement holes 32 are ⅝″ through-holes, but may beany diameter deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments forthe purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the inventioncan be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not beregarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosedherein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with thefollowing claims.

I claim:
 1. A traffic barrier comprising: i. an elongated body having afirst end and a second end, wherein a distance between the first end andthe second end defines a length; ii. a top surface and a bottom surface,iii. a first side wall and a second side wall; and iv. a conduitextending from the first end to the second end throughout the length. 2.The traffic barrier of claim 1, the conduit comprising a piping.
 3. Thetraffic barrier of claim 2, the piping comprising PVC.
 4. The trafficbarrier of claim 1, having a keyway on the bottom surface throughout thelength of the Traffic barrier.
 5. The traffic barrier of claim 4,comprising one or more drainways having a perpendicular intersectionwith the keyway.
 6. The traffic barrier of claim 5, comprising one ormore anchoring devices adapted to nest within at least one of the keywayand the one or more drainways.
 7. The traffic barrier of claim 1,comprising of concrete.
 8. The traffic barrier of claim 1, comprisingone or more accessory sleeves extending from the top surface towards theconduit.
 9. The traffic barrier of claim 1, comprising one or morethrough holes extending from the first side wall to the second sidewall.
 10. The traffic barrier of claim 1, having a larger end, whereinthe larger end comprises a generally square cross-section.
 11. Thetraffic barrier of claim 10, comprising a cavity near the first endadapted to retain a battery.
 12. The traffic barrier of claim 11, havinga solar sleeve comprising a hole extending from the top surface to thecavity.